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Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.